Customer facing imaging systems and methods for obtaining images

ABSTRACT

An imaging system for obtaining an image of a display of an electronic device presented by a presenter holding the electronic device includes a housing having an imaging subsystem disposed in the housing. The imaging subsystem comprising an image sensor array and an imaging assembly operative for focusing an image of the display on the electronic device onto the image sensor array. A support comprising a support surface is operable for allowing the presenter to hold the electronic device against the support surface so that the display on the electronic device is positioned towards the imaging system while the image of the display is obtained.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/709,537, filed Oct. 4, 2012, entitled “Customer Facing ImagingSystems And Methods For Obtaining Images”, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to imaging systems, and morespecifically, to customer facing imaging systems operable for obtainingimages from displays on portable electronic devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, bar code readers are electronic devices for reading barcodes. Typically, a bar code reader includes a light source, a lens, alight sensor, and decoder circuitry for analyzing the bar code's imagedata.

For example, when a shopper purchases a product at a store, a bar codereader is often used by a cashier at a point-of-sale to read a bar codecarried by the product. Recently, paperless bar coded manufacturers“coupons” are now commonly sent to shoppers' cell phones.

There is a need for further imaging systems, and more specificallycustomer facing imaging systems operable for obtaining images fromdisplays on portable electronic devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method forobtaining images. The method includes providing a support comprising asupport surface operable for allowing a presenter to hold an electronicdevice against the support surface so that a display on the electronicdevice is positioned towards an imaging system, and obtaining, while theelectronic device is positioned against the support and held by thepresenter, an image of the display of the electronic device with theimager.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an imagingsystem for obtaining an image of a display of an electronic devicepresented by a presenter holding the electronic device. The imagingsystem includes a housing having an imaging subsystem disposed in thehousing. The imaging subsystem comprising an image sensor array and animaging assembly operative for focusing an image of the display on theelectronic device onto the image sensor array. A support comprising asupport surface is operable for allowing the presenter to hold theelectronic device against the support surface so that the display on theelectronic device is positioned towards the imaging system while theimage of the display is obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of thespecification. The disclosure, however, may best be understood byreference to the following detailed description of various embodimentsand the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an imaging system inaccordance with an aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front side elevational view of an embodiment of the portableelectronic device usable with the imaging system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear side elevational view of the portable electronic deviceof FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4-8 are a front elevational view, a left side elevational view, aright side elevational view, a top view, and a rear elevational view ofthe imaging system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of another embodiment of an imaging systemin accordance with an aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an imaging systemin accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12-16 are a front elevational view, a right side elevational view,a left side elevational view, a top view, and a rear elevational view ofthe imaging system of FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the imaging system of FIG. 11;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the imaging system of FIG. 11 disposedon a checkout counter;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an imaging systemin accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 20-24 are a front elevational view, a right side elevational view,a left side elevational view, a top view, and a rear elevational view ofthe imaging system of FIG. 19;

FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the imaging system of FIG. 19;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an imaging systemin accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a front elevational view of the imaging system of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a right side elevational view of the imaging system of FIG.26, a left side elevation view being a mirror image thereof;

FIG. 29 is a rear elevational view of the imaging system of FIG. 26;

FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the imaging system of FIG. 26;

FIG. 31 is a component diagram of an imager subassembly which may beincorporated in the above embodiments of the imaging systems inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a method for use in obtaining images inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is generally directed to obtaining an imagedisplayed on a display of a portable electronic device presented by apresenter such as a customer while the presenter maintains a hold ontothe electronic device. For example, an image of the display may beobtained during transactions such as point-of-sale transactions, eventticketing, rail and air transport ticketing, airline and airportboarding passes, and other transactions, and installed in a customerfacing orientation allowing the presenter or customer to readily presentthe display of the electronic device for imaging during the transaction.The display of the electronic device may include an indicia such as abar code operable as a coupon, ticket, authorization for payment, etc.in connection with the transaction. The imaging system may be operablefor imaging portable electronic devices such cell phones, mobile phones,smart phones, satellite phones, telemetric devices, personal dataassistants (PDA), and other portable electronic and hand held devices.In addition, images of other objects such as paper coupons, driver'slicenses, identification cards, store or loyalty cards, etc. may beimaged with the imaging system.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an imaging system 100 forobtaining an image displayed on a display of a portable electronicdevice presented by a presenter such as a customer holding theelectronic device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a portable electronic device 10 may include ahousing 30 having a front surface 32 (FIG. 2), side surfaces 34, and arear surface 36 (FIG. 3). With reference to FIG. 2, portable electronicdevice 10 may further include a display screen 40 such as a backlit LEDor LCD display for displaying an indicia 42. The display may also be anelectronic paper display such as an e-paper display, electronic inkdisplay, and other displays that mimic the appearance of ordinary ink onpaper. Unlike conventional backlit flat panel displays, electronic paperdisplays reflect ambient light like ordinary paper rather than emittingits own light. A keyboard 50 enabling the input of data may also bedisposed on front side 32 of housing 30. In another embodiment, thedisplay may be a backlit LED or LCD touch screen display comprising adisplay and a touch sensitive overlay disposed over the display. In thismanner, the display screen operates as a data input interface. Housing30 may also support a variety of components, including a batterytypically located in the rear half of the body.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4-8, generally in this illustratedembodiment, imaging system 100 may include a housing 110 having an upperportion 112, a middle portion 114, and a lower portion 116. As shown inFIG. 1, housing 110 may have a generally C-shaped configuration in whichthe open C-shaped configuration is orientated toward a customer duringthe transaction. Lower portion 116 may define a lower surface 117 forresting on a counter such as at a checkout counter, and a pad or support120 having an upper support surface 121 such as a horizontal supportsurface upon which a customer may place or rest and hold an electronicdevice against support surface 121 so that an image displayed on thedisplay of the electronic device is positioned upwardly towards animaging subsystem 130, best shown in FIG. 9, during imaging. Forexample, imaging subsystem 130 may be disposed in upper portion 112 ofhousing 110. Imaging subsystem 130 may be operable to focus an image ofthe display on the electronic device for imaging when the electronicdevice is rested on the support surface. For example, the imagingsubsystem may have an imaging or optical axis that passes through thesupport surface and generally aligned with the center of the display ofthe electronic device to be imaged. Upper support surface 121 (FIG. 1)may be a rigid, fixed, and non-movable relative to imaging subsystem130. For example, the upper support surface and the imaging subassemblymay be fixed relative to the housing. Imaging subsystem 130 may have afixed focus or focal length or a variable focus or focal length.

With reference again to FIG. 1, graphics or an outline 140 of arepresentation of electronic device and a bar code 142 may be disposedon support surface 121 for aiding a customer in orientating and locatingthe electronic device on the support surface during imaging. Duringimaging, a presenter may hold the sides of the electronic device withtheir fingers such as the index finger and thumb so that the display isdisposed upwardly toward the imaging subsystem, and the electronicdevice and display screen may be observable to the presenter. Sidewalls122 and 124 may be provided which extend along the sides to define agenerally protected booth type or pocket area to shield the display ofthe electronic device from ambient light. Imaging system 100 may alsoinclude a customer facing camera 190 such as for imaging the customer orfor facial recognition operable for example when during imaging anairline ticket on the electronic device and confirming that personcorresponds to the presenter of the ticket, or imaging a customer's cartoperable for determining whether any products remain in the cart priorto checkout, or for obtaining other images.

Upper portion 112 may include an electronic display 150 such as abacklit LED or LCD display for displaying advertisements or otherinformation to the customer during a transaction. Display 150 may alsoinclude a surface 152 operable for allowing a customer to place andwrite out a check during the transaction. The display and/or surface maybe disposed on an angle or slope towards the customer. A raised ridge orlip 156 may be provided along the lower edge of upper portion 112 toprovide a stop for restraining, for example, a checkbook from slidingoff surface 152. In another embodiment, the top of upper portion 112 mayinclude a surface having a printed advertisement or other image orindicia. In another embodiment, the display may be a removabletransparent member and a printed advertisement or an image may besandwiched between a top portion of the housing and the transparentmember.

With reference to FIG. 10, imaging system 100 may include a housing thatis operably configured and releasably attachable to a display unit 160and to a transaction terminal 170. For example, the transaction terminalmay include magnetic strip readers to allow for use of credit cards,debit cards, and receipt of other information such as a customer'ssignature during the transaction.

FIG. 11 illustrates a second embodiment of an imaging system 200 forobtaining an image displayed on a display of a portable electronicdevice presented by a presenter such as a customer holding theelectronic device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.For example, a customer may place their cell phone face down on asupport such as a glass support.

With reference to FIGS. 11-16, generally in this illustrated embodiment,imaging system 200 may include a housing 210 having an upper portion 212and a lower portion 216. Lower portion 216 may operably connect to abase 218 having a lower surface 217 for resting imaging system 200 on acounter such as on a checkout counter.

Upper portion 212 may include an angled support 220 having an uppersupport surface 223 which is disposed to face a customer and upon whichthe customer may place or rest and hold the side of the electronicdevice having the display containing the indicia against support surface223 so that an image displayed on the display of the electronic deviceis positioned downwardly towards an imaging subsystem 230, best shown inFIG. 17, during imaging. For example, imaging subsystem 230 may bedisposed behind a lower surface of support 220 in housing 210. Thesupport may be angled at about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees, and maybe disposed at 30 degrees, from the surface of the counter such as acheckout counter. For example, the imaging subsystem may have an imagingor optical axis that passes through the support surface and generallyaligned with the center of the display of the electronic device to beimaged. The upper support surface of support 220 may be a rigid, fixed,and non-movable relative to imaging subsystem 230. For example, theupper support surface and the imaging subassembly may be fixed relativeto the housing. Imaging subsystem 230 may have a fixed focus or focallength or a variable focus or focal length.

With reference again to FIG. 11, a bezel or raised ridge 240 may extendaround support surface 220 for use in aiding the customer in locatingthe electronic device on support surface 220 during imaging. Duringimaging, the display of the electronic device is presented downwardly onthe support surface. For example, the raised ridge may include a firstportion 241 and second portion 242 defining a pair of gaps 245 and 247disposed therebetween and along the edge of the support. The gaps areoperable to allow a presenter to hold the sides of the electronic devicewith their fingers such as the index finger and thumb during imaging.The raised ridges may aid in preventing the electronic device fromfalling off the support surface and being damaged. In addition, the gapsallow the debris on the support surface to be easily wiped cleancompared to the raised ridge extending completely around the supportsurface.

Support 220 may comprise a transparent portion 224 having a first uppersurface portion and the imaging subsystem may be disposed behind asecond lower surface portion of the transparent portion. Support 220 mayinclude a non-transparent portion 225, for example, that surroundstransparent portion 224. The transparent portion may be sized smallerthan the electronic device so that when the electronic device is placedand rested on support surface 223, the likelihood of ambient lightreaching the imager subassembly is reduced. Imaging system 200 may alsoinclude a customer facing camera 290 such as for imaging the customer orfor facial recognition operable for example when during imaging anairline ticket on the electronic device and confirming that personcorresponds to the presenter of the ticket, or imaging a customer's cartoperable for determining whether any products remain in the cart priorto checkout, or for obtaining other images.

With reference again to FIG. 17, imaging system 200 may include acentral housing portion 250, a front U-shaped housing portion 252 havingridge 242, a rear U-shaped housing portion 251 having ridge 241, ahollow top cover 253, and a base 260. Imaging subsystem 230 may bedisposed along the bottom of the housing with the imaging subsystem 230facing upwardly. Imaging subsystem 230 may be operable to focus an imageof the display on the electronic device for imaging when the electronicdevice is rested on the support surface.

In addition, the base or a plurality of bases attachable to the centralhousing portion may have different configurations and be interchangeablewith the central housing portion, and allow various attachments todifferently configured checkout environments. For example, a base mayhave screw holes for receiving screws which attach to a counter, a basemay have a bar clamp for clamping onto a monitor stand or otherequipment or portion thereof at the checkout counter, a base may have aU-shaped portion for fitting over and connecting to a top edge of a walladjacent to the checkout lane. Desirably, the vertical configuration ofthe housing allows a small physical footprint and flexibility as towhere it may be placed or mounted.

Electroluminescent paper 255 and 257 may be positioned between support220 and top cover 253, and may be operably connected and energized toilluminate when an image has been successfully and unsuccessfullyobtained and/or decoded. For example, the some of the electroluminescentpaper or a colored layer disposed on the electroluminescent paper may beemployed to provide a green illumination when an image has beensuccessfully obtained and/or decoded, and other of theelectroluminescent paper or a colored layer disposed on theelectroluminescent paper may be employed to provide a red color when animage has been unsuccessfully obtained and/or decoded. It will beappreciated that other colors may be employed, and other means forproviding illumination such as bulbs, LEDs, and other devices may beemployed. In addition, an audio signal such as from a speaker 280 may beprovided to indicate when an image has been successfully andunsuccessfully obtained and/or decoded. FIG. 18 illustrates imagingsystem 200 for facing a customer disposed on a checkout counter 12.

FIG. 19 illustrates a third embodiment of an imaging system 300 forobtaining an image displayed on a display of a portable electronicdevice presented by a presenter such as a customer holding theelectronic device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.For example, a customer may place their cell phone face down on asupport such as a glass support. The housing may have a low profile sothat the imaging system is less likely to protruding into the customer'sspace, and be less likely to be inadvertently hit or snagged by thecustomer.

With reference to FIGS. 19-24, generally in this illustrated embodiment,imaging system 300 may include a housing 310 having an upper portion 312and a lower portion 316. Lower portion 316 may include a lower surface317 for resting imaging system 300 on a counter such as on a checkoutcounter.

With reference to FIG. 19, upper portion 312 may include a horizontalsupport 320 having an upper support surface 323 upon which the customermay place or rest and hold the side of the electronic device having thedisplay containing the indicia against support surface 323 so that animage displayed on the display of the electronic device is positioneddownwardly towards an imaging subsystem 330, best shown in FIG. 25,during imaging. For example, imaging subsystem 330 may be disposed belowa lower surface of the support surface of support 320 in housing 310.For example, the imaging subsystem may have an imaging or optical axisthat passes through the support surface and generally aligned with thecenter of the display of the electronic device to be imaged. The uppersupport surface of support 320 may be a rigid, fixed, and non-movablerelative to imaging subsystem 330. For example, the upper supportsurface and the imaging subassembly may be fixed relative to thehousing. Imaging subsystem 330 may have a fixed focus or focal length ora variable focus or focal length.

With reference again to FIG. 19, a bezel or raised ridge 340 may extendaround support surface 320 for use in aiding a customer in locating theelectronic device on support surface 320 during imaging. During imaging,the display of the electronic device is presented downwardly on thesupport surface. For example, the raised ridge may include a firstportion 341 and second portion 342 defining a pair of gaps 345 and 347disposed therebetween and along the edge of the support. The gaps areoperable to allow a presenter to hold the sides of the electronic devicewith their fingers such as the index finger and thumb during imaging.The raised ridges may aid in preventing the electronic device fromfalling off the support surface and being damaged. In addition, the gapsallow the debris on the support surface to be easily wiped cleancompared to the raised ridge extending completely around the supportsurface.

Support 320 may comprise a transparent portion 324 having a first uppersurface portion and the imaging subsystem may be disposed behind asecond lower surface portion of the transparent portion. Support 320 mayinclude a non-transparent portion 325, for example, that surroundstransparent portion 324. The transparent portion may be sized smallerthan the electronic device so that when the electronic device is placedand rested on support surface 323, the likelihood of ambient lightreaching the imager subassembly is reduced. Imaging system 300 may alsoinclude a customer facing camera 390 such as for imaging the customer orfor facial recognition operable for example when during imaging anairline ticket on the electronic device and confirming that personcorresponds to the presenter of the ticket, or imaging a customer's cartoperable for determining whether any products remain in the cart priorto checkout, or for obtaining other images.

With reference to FIG. 25, imaging system 300 may include a centralhousing portion 350, a mirror 370 disposed on an angle in housingportion 350, a hollow top cover 353, a bottom cover 354, and support320. Imaging subsystem 330 may be disposed in the housing with theimaging subsystem 330 facing to the side such as toward mirror 370. Forexample, mirror 370 may reflect the image presented on support 320towards imaging subsystem 330. Imaging subsystem 330 may be operable tofocus an image of the display on the electronic device for imaging whenthe electronic device is rested on the support surface.

Electroluminescent paper 355 and 357 may be positioned between support320 and top cover 353, and may be operably connected and energized toilluminate when an image has been successfully and unsuccessfullyobtained and/or decoded. For example, electroluminescent paper 355 or acolored layer disposed on electroluminescent paper 355 may be employedto provide a green illumination when an image has been successfullyobtained and/or decoded, and electroluminescent paper 357 or a coloredlayer disposed on the electroluminescent paper 357 may be employed toprovide a red color when an image has been unsuccessfully obtainedand/or decoded. It will be appreciated that other colors may beemployed, and other means for providing illumination such as bulbs,LEDs, and other devices may be employed. In addition, an audio signalsuch as from a speaker 380 may be provided to indicate when an image hasbeen successfully and unsuccessfully obtained and/or decoded.

With reference to FIGS. 26-29, generally in this illustrated embodiment,an imaging system 400 (FIG. 26) may include a housing 410 having animaging subsystem such as described below. Housing 410 may include anupper portion 412, and a lower portion 416. As shown in FIG. 26, housing410 may have a handheld configuration or form in which lower portion 416is receivable in a charger or base 402. Base 402 may include a lowersurface 417 for resting on a counter such as at a checkout counter. Astand or support 420 may be postionable adjacent to housing 410.

As shown in FIG. 26, support 420 may include a base portion 423, asupport surface 421 such as a first support surface 425 and a secondsupport surface 427 upon which a customer may place or rest and hold anelectronic device against support surface 421 so that an image displayedon the display of the electronic device is positioned outwardly towardhousing 410 during imaging. For example, an operator of imaging system400 may stand behind housing 410 and readily grasp and actuate housing410 such as a trigger during a transaction. A customer may stand on theright side, behind support 420 and easily place and rest an electronicdevice such as the bottom on support surface 425 and the back againstsupport surface 427, with the display facing toward housing 410. Support420 may be sized, for example, side edges 428 and 429, to be narrowerthan the electronic device to allow a presenter to hold the sides of theelectronic device with their fingers during imaging. In addition, thepresenter may hold the electronic device between their fingers and thumband slide their hand over the top of support surface 427 so that supportsurface 427 is disposed between the electronic device and the palm ofthe presenter. For example, the imaging subsystem may have an imaging oroptical axis that passes through the second support surface andgenerally aligned with the center of the display of the electronicdevice to be imaged. First support surface 425 and a second supportsurface 427 may be a rigid, fixed, and non-movable relative to housing410 and an imaging subsystem disposed therein. For example, the supportsurfaces may be fixed relative to the base and the housing containingthe imaging subassembly. The imaging subsystem may have a fixed focus orfocal length or a variable focus or focal length.

With reference to FIG. 30, imaging system 400 may include a bracket 480having a first leg 482 attachable to a surface such as a countersurface, and a second upwardly extending leg 484. Rear surface 429 ofsupport 420 may be attached leg 484, and base proportion 423 of support420 may be attached to a portion of leg 482.

FIG. 31 illustrates a component diagram of an imaging subsystem 730 thatmay be employed as the imaging subsystems in the above described imagingsystems for imaging a display of electronic device 10 disposed against asupport surface shown in solid lines or a rear surface of electronicdevice 10 disposed against a support surface shown in dashed lines.

The imaging subsystem 730 may include an image sensor 702 comprising amultiple pixel image sensor array 704, for example, an optical such as aCCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor having pixels arranged in rowsand columns of pixels, column circuitry 706, and row circuitry 708.Associated with the image sensor 702 may be amplifier circuitry 710, andan A/D converter 712 which may convert image information in the form ofanalog signals read out of multiple pixel image sensor array 704 intoimage information in the form of digital signals. Image sensor 702 mayalso have an associated timing and control circuit 714 for use incontrolling, e.g., the exposure period of image sensor 702, and/or gainapplied to amplifier 710. The noted circuit components 702, 710, 712,and 714 may be packaged into a common image sensor integrated circuit716. In one embodiment, image sensor integrated circuit 716 mayincorporate a Bayer pattern filter. CPU 718, prior to subjecting a frameto further processing, may interpolate pixel values for development of amonochrome frame of image data.

In the course of operation of the imaging subassembly 730, image signalsmay be read out of image sensor array 702, converted and stored into asystem memory such as RAM 720. A memory 722 of imaging subassembly 730may include RAM 720, a nonvolatile memory such as EPROM 724, and astorage memory device 726 such as may be provided by a flash memory or ahard drive memory.

In one embodiment, imaging subassembly 730 may include CPU 718 adaptedto read out image data stored in memory 722 and subject such image datato various image processing algorithms, such as processing forattempting to decode decodable indicias represented in the image data.In another embodiment, CPU 718 may be operatively connected to the imagesensor array 704 for capturing the return light in successive frames,and subject one or more of such frames of image data to various imageprocessing algorithms, such as processing for attempting to decodedecodable indicias represented in the image data. Alternatively, forexample, at a checkout, the image data may be sent to an operatingsystem of the retail environment, and feedback generated with audio orvisual indicators as noted above.

Imaging subassembly 730 may include a direct memory access unit (DMA)728 for routing image information read out from image sensor 702 thathas been subject to conversion to RAM 720. In another embodiment,imaging subassembly 730 may employ a system bus providing for busarbitration mechanism (e.g., a PCI bus) thus eliminating the need for acentral DMA controller. Other embodiments of the system bus architectureand/or direct memory access components providing for efficient datatransfer between the image sensor 702 and RAM 720 are within the scopeof this disclosure.

In a further aspect, the imaging subassembly 730 may include an imagingassembly 735 for focusing an image of the decodable indicia onto imagesensor 702. Imaging light rays may be transmitted about an optical axis732. Imaging assembly 735 may be controlled with use of lens assemblycontrol circuit 744. Lens assembly control circuit 744 may send signalsto lens assembly 735, e.g., for changing a focal length and/or a bestfocus distance of lens assembly 735. In an alternative embodiment,imaging subassembly may have a fixed focal length operable to focus animage of the display on the electronic device onto image sensor array704 when the electronic device is rested on the support surface.

The imaging subassembly 730 may further include a filter module 740 thatcomprises one or more optical filters, as well as in some embodiments anactuator assembly 742 that may be coupled generally to the filtermodule, such as to the optical filters. The filter module 740 may belocated on either side of the imaging lens assembly 735. Likewise, oneor more of the optical filters within the filter module 740 may bedisposed on one or more surfaces of the imaging assembly 735 and/or theimage sensor 702. Filter module 740 may be controlled with use of afilter module control circuit 748, which may be coupled to the actuatorassembly 742.

Imaging subassembly 730 may include interface circuit 760 for couplingimage sensor timing and control circuit timing and control circuit 714to system bus 758, interface circuit 762 for coupling the lens assemblycontrol circuit 744 to system bus 758, and interface circuit 770 forcoupling the filter module control circuit 748 to system bus 758.

In a further aspect, imaging subassembly 730 may include one or more I/Ointerfaces 772 and 774 for providing communication with external devices(e.g., a cash register server, a store server, an inventory facilityserver, a local area network base station, a cellular base station). I/Ointerfaces 772 and 774 may be interfaces of any combination of knowncomputer interfaces, e.g., Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), USB, IEEE 802.11,Bluetooth, CDMA, and GSM.

The imaging subsystem 730 may include an illumination assembly 734 thatmay comprise an illumination light bar 736 for generating anillumination pattern substantially corresponding to the field of view ofthe imaging subassembly, and an indicator light bar 738. Theillumination assembly 734 may be controlled by an illumination assemblycontrol circuit 746. An interface circuit 764 may be employed forcoupling the illumination assembly to system bus 758, and operablyconnected to CPU 718. While illumination may not be needed for imagingthe display such as a back lit display on an electronic device, forobtaining other images such as paper coupons, driver's licenses, storeor loyalty cards, and other documents or an electronic paper display,illumination may be desired.

FIG. 32 illustrates a method 800 for use in obtaining images inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure. At 810, a supportcomprising a support surface is provided which is operable for allowinga presenter to hold an electronic device against the support surface sothat a display on the electronic device is positioned towards an imager.At 820, when the electronic device is positioned on the support and heldby the presenter, an image is obtained of the display of the electronicdevice with the imager.

From the present description, it will be appreciated that the imagingsystems provide an ergonomically and aesthetically pleasing option forconvenient reading of, for example, cell phone bar codes in the retailenvironment by making a user's experience generally intuitive, easy andquick. In addition, the customer is able to hold the electronic devicesuch as a cell phone during imaging, reducing the likelihood of thecustomer having to hand it to a cashier or potentially forgetting andlosing the cell phone. Additional features of the imaging system mayinclude the imaging system being operable as a finger print reader whichmay provide authorization of the transaction or conformation of thecustomer. While the imaging systems are disclosed as being supportableon a counter such as a checkout counter, it will be appreciated thatthey may be operably supported, attached, clamped, to another portion ofthe counter or support or clamped onto an elongated member, pole, orother device. In addition, the imaging systems may incorporate NFC (NearField Communication) capabilities to establish radio communication withan electronic device having such capability for transmitting andreceiving information. Other additional features may includeincorporating the imaging system into a self check out kiosk, with mayinclude a printer, magnetic stripe reader, NFC capability, and a radio.A customer who is redeeming a cell phone coupon or using a credit cardfor a quick purchase could avoid waiting in lines. In addition,customers wanting a printed hard copy receipt may obtain one by holdingtheir phone near the NFC/barcode reader and the kiosk would print thereceipt.

A small sample of systems methods and apparatus that are describedherein is as follows:

A1. A method for obtaining images, the method comprising: providing asupport comprising a support surface operable for allowing a presenterto hold an electronic device against the support surface so that adisplay on the electronic device is positioned towards an imagingsystem; and obtaining, while the electronic device is positioned againstthe support and held by the presenter, an image of the display of theelectronic device with the imager. A2. The method of A1 wherein theproviding comprises providing the support attached to a checkoutcounter, and the presenter comprises a customer in a transaction. A3.The method of A1 wherein the providing comprises providing the supportsurface operable for allowing the presenter to hold a side of theelectronic device opposite the display against the support surface. A4.The method of A1 further comprising providing an outline of arepresentation of an electronic device on the support surface for aidingthe presenter in positioning of the electronic device. A5. The method ofA1 further comprising displaying information to the presenter duringimaging of the display of the electronic device. A6. The method of A1wherein the providing comprises providing a generally C-shaped housingwith the support defining a horizontal pad and the imager being disposedin the housing above the horizontal pad. A7. The method of A1 whereinthe support surface comprises a transparent portion, the display on theelectronic device being positioned against a first surface of thetransparent portion, and the imaging subsystem being disposed behind asecond surface of the transparent portion. A8. The method of A7 whereinthe support surface comprises an angled surface facing the presenter.A9. The method of A7 further comprising providing at least one raisedridge extending around the support surface for use in positioning theelectronic device on the support surface. A10. The method of A9 whereinthe at least one raised ridge comprises a first portion and a secondportion defining a pair of gaps disposed therebetween, the gaps operableto allow a presenter to maintain a hold of the sides of the electronicdevice with their fingers during imaging. A11. The method of A7 whereinthe support surface comprises a non-transparent portion disposed aroundthe transparent portion to reduce the likelihood of ambient lightreaching the imager when the electronic device is positioned on thesupport surface during imaging. A12. The method of A1 wherein theproviding comprises providing the support surface comprising a firstsurface for resting a bottom edge of the electronic device duringimaging. A13. The method of A12 wherein the support surface comprises asecond surface for resting a surface opposite the display on theelectronic device. A14. The method of A1 further comprising indicatingto the presenter at least one of an image being successfully obtained,an image being unsuccessfully obtained, a successful decoding of theimage, and an unsuccessful decoding of the image. A15. The method of A1further comprising obtaining an image of at least a portion of thepresenter. A16. The method of A1 further comprising obtaining, while anobject is positioned against the support and held by the presenter, animage of the object with the imager. A17. The method of A17 wherein theobject comprises at least one of a paper coupon, a driver's licenses, anidentification card, a store card, and a loyalty card.

B1. An imaging system for obtaining an image of a display of anelectronic device presented by a presenter holding the electronic deviceduring a transaction, said imaging system comprising: a housing; animaging subsystem disposed in the housing, said imaging subsystemcomprising an image sensor array and an imaging assembly operative forfocusing an image of the display on the electronic device onto saidimage sensor array; and a support comprising a support surface operablefor allowing the presenter to hold the electronic device against thesupport surface so that the display on the electronic device ispositioned towards the imaging system while the image of the display isobtained. B2. The system of B1 wherein said support surface is operableto allow the presenter to rest the electronic device so that the displayof the electronic device is observable by the presenter during imaging.B3. The system of B1 wherein said support surface has an outline of arepresentation of an electronic device for aiding the presenter inlocating the electronic device on the support surface during imaging.B4. The system of B1 further comprising a display attachable to saidhousing, said display facing the presenter for displaying information tothe presenter during imaging of the electronic device. B5. The system ofB1 further comprising a transaction terminal attachable to said housing,said transaction terminal facing the presenter for use in processing atransaction. B6. The system of B1 further comprising at least one of adisplay unit and a transaction terminal releasably attachable to saidhousing. B7. The system of B1 wherein said housing and said supportsurface define a generally C-shaped configuration with said supportsurface defining a horizontal pad and said imaging subsystem beingdisposed in said housing above said horizontal pad. B8. The system of B1wherein the support surface comprises an angled surface facing thepresenter. B9. The system of B1 wherein said support surface comprises atransparent portion on which the presenter places the display of theelectronic device against a first surface of said transparent portion,and said imaging subsystem being disposed behind a second surface ofsaid transparent portion. B10. The system of B9 further comprising atleast one raised ridge extending around said support surface for use inaiding the presenter in locating the electronic device on said supportsurface. B11. The system of B9 wherein said at least one raised ridgecomprises a first portion and second portion defining a pair of gapsdisposed therebetween, said gaps operable to allow the presenter to holdthe sides of the electronic device with their fingers during imaging.B12. The system of B10 wherein said support surface comprises anon-transparent portion disposed around said transparent portion toreduce the likelihood of ambient light reaching the imager when theelectronic device is positioned on the support surface during imaging.B13. The system of B1 wherein said support surface comprises a firstsurface for allowing the presenter to rest a bottom edge of theelectronic device while holding the side edges of the electronic device.B14. The system of B13 wherein said support surface comprises a secondsurface for allowing the presenter to rest the back surface of theelectronic device while holding the side edges of the electronic devicewith their fingers. B15. The system of B1 further comprising means forat least one of indicating to the presenter that the image wassuccessfully obtained, the image was unsuccessfully obtained, the imagewas successful decoded, and the image was unsuccessful decoded. B16. Thesystem of B1 further comprising a camera operable to image at least aportion of the presenter. B17. The system of B1 wherein housingcomprises means for attaching the system to a checkout counter.

While the present invention has been described with reference to anumber of specific embodiments, it will be understood that the truespirit and scope of the invention should be determined with respect toclaims that may be supported by the present specification. Further,while in numerous cases herein wherein systems and apparatuses andmethods are described as having a certain number of elements it will beunderstood that such systems, apparatuses and methods may be practicedwith fewer than the mentioned certain number of elements. Also, while anumber of particular embodiments have been described, it will beunderstood that features and aspects that have been described withreference to each particular embodiment may be used with each remainingparticularly described embodiment.

1. A method for obtaining images, the method comprising: providing asupport comprising a support surface operable for allowing a presenterto hold an electronic device against the support surface so that adisplay on the electronic device is positioned towards an imagingsystem; and obtaining, while the electronic device is positioned againstthe support and held by the presenter, an image of the display of theelectronic device with the imager.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein theproviding comprises providing the support attached to a checkoutcounter, and the presenter comprises a customer in a transaction.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the housing and the support surface define agenerally C-shaped configuration with the imaging subsystem disposed inthe housing generally above the support surface, and the housing and thesupport surface defining a generally protected pocket area to shield thedisplay of the electronic device from ambient light.
 4. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the support surface comprises a transparent portion, thedisplay on the electronic device being positioned against a firstsurface of the transparent portion, and the imaging subsystem beingdisposed behind a second surface of the transparent portion, and furthercomprising providing at least one raised ridge disposed around thesupport surface for use in positioning the electronic device on thesupport surface, and the at least one raised ridge comprising aplurality of gaps operable to allow a presenter to maintain a hold ofthe sides of the electronic device with their fingers in the gaps duringimaging.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the support surface comprisesan angled support surface having a transparent portion, the display onthe electronic device being positioned against a first surface of thetransparent portion, and the imaging subsystem being disposed behind asecond surface of the transparent portion, and further comprisingproviding at least one raised ridge disposed around the angled supportsurface for use in positioning the electronic device on the supportsurface, and the at least one raised ridge comprising a plurality ofgaps operable to allow a presenter to maintain a hold of the sides ofthe electronic device with their fingers in the gaps during imaging. 6.The method of claim 1 wherein the support surface comprises an angledsupport surface and the providing comprises providing the angled supportsurface operable for allowing the presenter to hold a side of theelectronic device opposite the display against the angled supportsurface.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the providing comprisesproviding the support surface comprising a first surface for resting abottom edge of the electronic device and a second surface for resting asurface opposite the display on the electronic device during imaging. 8.The method of claim 1 further comprising obtaining an image of at leasta portion of the presenter.
 9. The method of claim 1 further comprisingobtaining, while an object is positioned against the support and held bythe presenter, an image of the object with the imager, and wherein theobject comprises at least one of a paper coupon, a driver's licenses, anidentification card, a store card, and a loyalty card.
 10. An imagingsystem for obtaining an image of a display of an electronic devicepresented by a presenter holding the electronic device during atransaction, said imaging system comprising: a housing; an imagingsubsystem disposed in said housing, said imaging subsystem comprising animage sensor array and an imaging assembly operative for focusing animage of the display on the electronic device onto said image sensorarray; and a support comprising a support surface operable for allowingthe presenter to hold the electronic device against said support surfaceso that the display on the electronic device is positioned towards saidimaging system while the image of the display is obtained.
 11. Thesystem of claim 10 wherein said housing and said support surface definea generally C-shaped configuration with said imaging subsystem disposedin said housing above said support surface, and said housing and saidsupport surface defining a generally protected pocket area to shield thedisplay of the electronic device from ambient light.
 12. The system ofclaim 10 further comprising an electronic display attachable to saidhousing, said electronic display facing the presenter for displayinginformation to the presenter during imaging of the electronic device.13. The system of claim 10 further comprising a transaction terminalattachable to said housing, said transaction terminal facing thepresenter for use in processing a transaction.
 14. The system of claim10 wherein said support surface comprises a transparent portion on whichthe presenter places the display of the electronic device against afirst surface of said transparent portion, and said imaging subsystembeing disposed behind a second surface of said transparent portion, andfurther comprising at least one raised ridge disposed around saidsupport surface for use in aiding the presenter in locating theelectronic device on said support surface, and wherein said at least oneraised ridge defines a plurality of gaps operable to allow the presenterto hold sides of the electronic device with their fingers in the gapsduring imaging.
 15. The system of claim 10 wherein said support surfacecomprises an angled support surface having a transparent portion onwhich the presenter places the display of the electronic device againsta first surface of said transparent portion, and said imaging subsystembeing disposed behind a second surface of said transparent portion, andfurther comprising at least one raised ridge disposed around said angledsupport surface for use in aiding the presenter in locating theelectronic device on said support surface, and wherein said at least oneraised ridge defines a plurality of gaps operable to allow the presenterto hold sides of the electronic device with their fingers in the gapsduring imaging.
 16. The system of claim 10 wherein the support surfacecomprises an angled support surface operable for allowing the presenterto hold a side of the electronic device opposite the display against theangled support surface.
 17. The system of claim 10 wherein the supportsurface is narrower than the electronic device.
 18. The system of claim10 wherein said support surface comprises a first surface for resting abottom edge of the electronic device and a second surface for resting aback surface opposite the display on the electronic device duringimaging with the display of the electronic device facing away from thepresenter.
 19. The system of claim 10 further comprising a cameraoperable to image at least a portion of the presenter.
 20. The system ofclaim 10 wherein housing comprises means for attaching said system to acheckout counter.